Kathryn’s Trip Takeaways

Overall, this trip has been so full of blessings and I am grateful to be a part of the women's lives in these challenging places.

It was wonderful to have time with Hakan, Luda, and Ester in Moldova. Luda and I walked early in the mornings and shared with each other the whole walk. As Luda only has one good friend and  she's  not a believer, our time together was very valuable. Ester introduced us to a few believing friends she has made and it was amazing to hear their stories. I am so happy Ester has these friends. Ester just had her interview for a visa to come to AZ and finish her college at ACU. She's waiting for the answer.

Shahin and Lily in Zonguldak shared the struggles of leading in the wake of Babak and Eli leaving. They are sweet and humble in their service to the church. The time with the church was filled with women sharing their coming to faith stories as well as the struggles of their current situations. I loved that so many more of the women in this church can speak Turkish so that I could speak with and listen to them.

Our time with Hüsniye and Cengiz in Izmir was  precious. They are a mature couple who love and honor each other really well. This was the first time I've met them, and I'm very excited to see them again and enjoy their company.

This next year I'll be leading a prayer team of ladies to İzmit to pray for a new area they are hoping to eventually have a church plant in. It was so wonderful to see that Müge is so excited for us to come and host us and prayer walk together.

It was super special to attend my first Foundation meeting and see for myself all the issues, logistically and relationally and philosophically, they have to navigate with care in these meetings.

As we left Eskisehir, Artun's wife Mirela, said she felt so special and important that we would come and stay with them and asked me to make sure I came with Mark next time he visited because it was encouraging.

Language wise, I've felt very blessed. Jesus brought the story of the old woman putting the two coins into the temple treasury to mind on the fight over and assured me that he finds my Turkish valuable when used for his glory like he found the woman's offering valuable. For me, relationally and language wise the trip has been special and encouraging.

The needs and opportunities for us to help and be present are so abundant it's a bit overwhelming but also exciting.